Adding a local, network, wired, LAN, or Wireless Brother Printer to computer is not a difficult task and can be completed in minutes. However, in case you are not much familiar about how to use a printer or you are trying to connect Brother printer to computer for the first time then it can be a tough job for you.

Here we are going to discuss how to connect or add a Brother Printer to Computer (Laptop) and this guide is perfect for those who have just purchased a new Brother Printer or have an old printer which needs to install in the computer.

Although it is pretty easy to add a Brother Printer to computer or a laptop, but sometimes it may cause trouble or refuse to connect even you’ve tried all the know processes. There are can be a USB cable issues, network or Wi-Fi connectivity issues, Brother Printer Drivers not installed or updated, and Brother Software Installation problem.

Before we move ahead and show you all the solution on how to connect Brother Printer to Computer (Laptop) we want you to do the following things as a precaution first.

1. 1. 1. 1. Make sure your network printer and computer are very close to each other.
         2. Make sure that the USB is properly working and doesn’t have a loose connection.
         3. Check your Wi-Fi and note down the SSID (Wi-Fi Name) and Password.
         4. You have a Brother Software Installation Disc/CD-Rom.
         5. Latest Driver Installed on the Computer (Laptop).

Follow the Step-by-Step guide below in order to connect Brother Printer to Computer (Laptop). If you are not able to connect the printer, follow the next step.

Connect Brother Printer to Computer (Laptop) with CD/DVD

Brother Printer usually comes with a CD/DVD ROM to help you install the Brother Software and Drivers. In case you’ve lost the CD/DVD ROM or your Computer (Laptop) doesn’t have the CD-Drive where you can insert the disk and begin the installation process then you can skip to Wireless Setup Guide. If you’ve got the CD/DVD with you, then follow the steps below to connect Brother Printer to Computer (Laptop).

Step 1: Insert the Brother Printer CD/DVD into the disk drive.

Step 2: Next Open My Computer or This PC on the computer.

Step 3: Double Click on the DVD Drive with a CD logo.

Step 4: Choose the Model Number of your Printer.

Step 5: Select your Language.

Step 6: Click on Install MFL-Pro Suite.

Step 7: Click on Yes to allow the user account controls.

Step 8: When asked “Do you want to check if a newer version of the software is available”. Select No and Click Continue. Note: If you are connected to the internet then select Yes.

Step 9: Let the setup be completed then select Yes to agree terms and conditions.

Step 10: Select Standard and Click on Yes.

You need to restart your computer to install the drivers completely and then use it with your PC/Laptop. Once you reboot, try doing a test print under from the computer and check if the printer is working or not.

Connect Brother Printer to a Wireless Computer (Laptop)

Here we are going to help you connect your Brother Printer to a Wireless Computer (Laptop) without the help of a USB or CD/DVD. Follow the steps below to connect Brother Printer to a Wireless Computer (Laptop). This solution covers almost every model, and the procedure is also the same for most of the Brother Printer Models. Follow the step-by-step configuration guide below:

Step 1: Open your Internet Browser on your Computer (Laptop).

Step 2: Visit https://www.brother-usa.com or Download Drivers from this link.

Step 3: Follow this link on how to download drivers – Download and Install Brother Printer Drivers.

Step 4: Once the download is complete. Open the installer package.

Step 5: Choose the language and Click Next.

Step 6: Select “I agree this license agreement” and Click Next

Step 7: Choose Wireless Network Connection Option and Click Next.

Now, it will scan for machines connected to your network.

If, it couldn’t find any printers a message will pop up “Detecting Existing Wireless Network Settings”.

Step 8: Select “Yes, I want to connect the machine to this Wireless Network” (For this you need to know the router’s SSID and Wi-Fi Password) and then Click on Next.

In most of the cases, the software will be able to detect the machine. If the device gets detected, then select the model number and click Next. Follow the instruction to install the machine on your computer.

In case it doesn’t find the printer, then a message will display on the screen “Enable the Wireless Connection.”

Step 9: Click Next on Failed to connect screen.

Step 10: When prompted for a USB cable, select No and Click on Next.

Step 11: Locate the SSID and Network key. Basically found at the back of your router. Enter the SSID and the network key.

Step 12: Follow this part to connect your machine to a network – Connect Brother Printer to Wi-Fi.

Step 13: Now, come back to your computer and Click Next.

Step 14: Click the check box “Checked and confirmed” and Click Next.

Step 15: Your Machine will appear and all you need to is to select it and then click on Next.

Step 16: Choose Standard (Recommended) and Click on Next.

Step 17: Install each and every items displayed on the screen.

Step 18: Once it is done Click on Finish.

If you are still not able to connect to the Computer (Laptop) then follow the next solution and hopefully the next solution will work for you.

Manually Add Brother Printer to the Computer

This method applies to only Windows 10 users. First, make sure that your printer is turned on and is connected to a network if the printer is not connected to the wireless network then follow this guide Connect Brother Printer to Wi-Fi. Ensure that your printer is connected to the network and follow the guide below: –

Step 1: Type Printers and Scanners inside the Windows 10 Search Box.

Step 2: Click Printers and Scanners.

Step 3: Click on Add a Printer.

Let the scan be completed and choose the printer then follow the instruction on the screen to complete the installation.

Step 4: In case the Brother printer won’t show up the Click “The printer that I want isn’t listed”.

Step 5: Connect the printer and Computer (Laptop) with an USB cable.

Step 6: Choose the last option “Add a local printer or network printer with manual settings” and click Next.

Step 7: Select Use an existing port and Click Next.

Step 8: From the left Menu Select the Manufacturer (Brother) and from the right Menu choose the model number of your printer and click Next.

Step 9: You can change the Printer Name if you want and Click Next one more time.

Step 10: Print a test page to ensure that the Brother Printer is connected to the computer.

Step 11: Click Finish.

If you cannot find the model number of your printer then try Windows Update or install it from a Disc.

Common Brother Printer FAQ

My printer is pretty old, how do I connect my printer to computer?

Most of the old Brother Printer models are not compatible with latest Windows OS i.e. Windows 10, hence people have difficulties in adding the old printer models to computer. If you have old printers then follow our third solution in this article “Manually Add Brother Printer to Computer” and you’ll be able to connect the printer to a computer.

My Brother Printer driver is outdated, how do I update it?

You can visit Brother Driver Support Website and Select the printer model from there to install and update your drivers. One more easy way to update the drivers is:

1. 1. 1. Go to Device Manager on Windows 10 (Type Device Manager on the search box)
      2. On the top of the Device Manager page click view and then click Show hidden devices.
      3. Now expand the Print Queues option and Right Click on the Brother Drivers.
      4. Click on update driver.
      5. Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
      6. Let it search online the latest printer drivers.
      7. Once the search is completed it’ll show you the latest driver.
      8. Click on Next to install it on your computer/laptop.

I cannot install the Brother Printer Drivers?

During the installation process you might receive an error code which is due to print spooler. Before reinstalling the printer driver first make sure to uninstall it completely from the computer. To uninstall the driver Go-to Control Panel>Uninstall a program>Select Brother Drivers>Click on Uninstall>Restart.

Reboot your computer after installation process and try to install the drivers again into your computer. If you are still not able to install the drivers then try restarting the print spooler service.

1. 1. 1. 1. Search for Services inside the Windows 10 search box.
         2. Click on Services.
         3. Find Print Spooler.
         4. Right Click on Printer Spooler and Click on Restart.
         5. Let the reboot be completed and then try to install the printer drivers

Hopefully, by trying all the above solution, you might be able to connect Brother Printer to the computer. If you are having any troubles, then we suggest leaving a comment on our website about what issue you are precisely facing, and we’ll try to help you with the solution as quickly as possible. Please share this article and help fellow Brother Printer users who are having difficulties connecting their printer to the computer.